Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

OVERVIEW

Our District promotes welcoming, safe, and respectful working and learning environments for everyone, regardless of a person's actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. We are proud to be the first school jurisdiction in both Alberta and the Prairies to develop a comprehensive stand-alone policy and administrative regulation to support sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ) students, staff and families.

In addition to our SOGI policy and administrative regulation, we strive to provide sexual and gender minority groups with ongoing opportunities to engage with the school, one another, and the community.

INITIATIVES

Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA)

facilitating quarterly GSA professional development opportunities for staff

Safe Contact Program

Every school has a staff member trained as a Safe Contact to:

consult, support, and advocate for sexual and gender minority and questioning students and their families to feel safe, valued, respected, and fully included in their school community

encourage these students and families to actively participate and positively contribute to their schools and communities without fear for their personal safety or wellbeing

share professional resources and information on sexual orientation and gender identity topics with staff, students, and the larger school community

In-School Support

District consultants support school communities in creating safe spaces and inclusive learning environments for all sexual and gender minority staff, students and families.

EVENTS

Alberta Gay-Straight Alliance Conference

The 3rd annual Alberta Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) Conference was held in Edmonton on November 22, 2014 at the Faculty of Education, University of Alberta. Students and teachers from across the province learned strategies to help create, support, and sustain student GSAs and about LGBTQ youth issues through workshops and resource displays.

Pink Shirt Day

Each February, a sea of pink sweeps across the District as staff and students promote a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all students regardless of their actual or percieved sexual orientation and gender identity, or gender expression. The national Pink Shirt Day initiative originates from a story of bystander empowerment, and has since spread across the country with millions of Canadians taking part each year.

Edmonton Pride Festival

Each June, as part of the Edmonton Pride Festival, district staff and students walk in the Pride Parade, welcome guests to the District information booth, or join in Pride Festival celebrations and events.

NEWS

In September of 2013, Edmonton student Wren Kauffman shares his gender journey. In recognition of his outstanding leadership, Wren was recognized with a 2014 Great Kids Award.Read or watch his story.

Supporting students, staff and families

About Us

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